I have lived in Russellville a couple years and am still wondering why the citizens of this fine city do not act as its eyes and ears, which can help a city operate more safely and economically. During this time, I have reported at least three water leaks, which were promptly repaired by our water company. Later , when I talk to the homeowners, one told me that they were glad the leak was fixed because it was there four months, and the other said it had been there for months. The third one told me that she was glad that someone reported it.

The lucky thing for these homeowners was that all the leaks were on water company side of the lines. But I am sure there was a lot of water lost and someone paid for that. One would wonder if the water company compared water usage with water paid for they may be able to see when there are leaks occurring.

Another thing I must mention is about the street lights within the city. People are driving by or waking past light poles with lamps on 24 hours a day due to malfunctioning sensors on them. some time ago I reported two light poles with lamps that were constantly on that were next to each other. I had notices them a month earlier and just wanted to see how long they would stay on. Seeing nothing change, I reported them being on and they were repaired in a week.

I was not being guilty of what I am saying, and just wanted to see how long it would take before someone reported it.

There is a place on the Entergy website where the location of problem lights can be reported, and they will even reply with an email as to when the problem will be fixed. Entergy has the responsibility of maintaining these light poles, but is is the city, and ultimately its tax payers, that has to pay for the unnecessary time they are on.

Recently I reported a vehicle that was parked on the street for a couple of months and never moved. It turned out that the owner, who lived in Van Buren, had been looking for it for several months and sure was glad to get it back. On this subject, and of crime, I don’t see many neighborhood watch programs. During the five weeks beginning Nov. 1, there were over 60 breaking and entering reports called to the police department. This is an activity the city has been spared of, but it is just a matter of time for it to raise its ugly head. And one good way to limit it is through citizens’ help.

Frank Manus

Russellville

Accessibility

I would like to preface my letter by saying that I thank God that the vast majority of people in the River Valley can walk without the aid of braces, canes, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs. I am therefore in the minority of those who need a wheelchair to get around.

Sunday, my wife and I left church to have lunch at a large, well known restaurant on Arkansas Avenue. We have eaten at this establishment a number of times and have always enjoyed the service and food. Unfortunately upon arrival, I decided to utilize the bathroom there. On our past visits, I did not use there facilities.

Upon going into the bathroom, I not only found it small, but the stall was not accessible for the patrons needing hand rail assistance. We had already been seated and I explained to our waiter the circumstances. He was apologetic for this inconvenience, but we left without ordering.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 and therefore I find it very difficult to understand how this oversight has happened, and continues to happen in this place, and several others throughout this area.

That vast majority I eluded to earlier do not think about accessibility until it happens to them or one of their loved ones. I hope this letter does not sound to the readers of The Courier as a plea for sympathy. it is simply a way for the many good citizens to be informed.

To Frank:Thanks for the article and comments. This is something that comes from individuals, and is slow to change on a larger scale. Thanks for your caring attitude and for choosing to do something.

One note about the Entergy street lights in the city. They are not cared for directly by Entergy, but are sub-contracted to a local company. This is ok, but Entergy does NOT have a good estimate(or any estimate)on many repairs. We have had one near us that I reported twice in two weeks due to the fact it had not yet been fixed. The last email said they did not know when it would be repaired. So, we can only do so much.